UST spikers strand Maroons, close in on V-League quarters

MANILA, Philippines - University of Santo Tomas primed up for its keenly awaited match with Ateneo-OraCare as it waylaid University of the Philippines, 25-15, 25-19, 25-15, to zero in on the first quarterfinal berth in the Shakey’s V-League Season 6 at The Arena in San Juan.

Save for a close second-set skirmish, it was an all-Tigresses show throughout the 1:04 encounter as they imposed their will and strength over the Lady Maroons with Angeli Tabaquero leading the way with 11 attacks, two blocks and two service points.

UST coach Cesael delos Santos tried new combinations, with eight other players scoring at least two points for the Tigresses, who moved closer to clinching the first berth in the next round with a 4-0 slate.

UP fell to its fourth straight setback and would need to sweep its last three games to stay in the hunt for the last quarterfinal berth in the tournament sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza.

Skipper Aiza Maizo delivered eight kills, while Hanna Mance and rookie Maruja Banaticla also came up with eight points apiece for the España-based squad which also drew a combined 17-point output from Maika Ortiz, Rhea Dimaculangan, Judy Ann Caballejo, Denise Santiago and guest player Roxanne Pimentel.

The Tigresses hope to sustain their form for their match tomorrow against the Lady Eagles, one of the teams tipped to contend for the crown in the league backed by Accel, Mighty Sports, Mighty Bond and OraCare.

Ateneo hurdled its first assignment in the league organized by Sports Vision by beating UP last week.

Carmela Lopez topscored for UP with nine attacks while Angeli Araneta, Southlyn Ramos and skipper Cathy Barcelon chipped in five points each for the Lady Maroons still in search for their first win since joining the league early this year.

Meanwhile, the UST-UP game will be aired starting at 2 p.m. today over NBN-4 while the Adamson-FEU match, still being played at presstime, will be shown tomorrow.

Games can be viewed live on webcast at www.v-league.ph.